Almost every plant forms two cotyledons after germination. Only then do the normal leaves typical of the plant develop. Care should be taken when planting, as cotyledons are very sensitive. They break easily and do not tolerate temperature fluctuations or extreme drought.

Cotyledons need a lot of light to grow

Which substrate is suitable for cotyledons?

Cotyledons get their nutrients from the seeds. They therefore do not need nutritious soil - on the contrary, if the substrate contains a lot of nutrients, this leads to oversaturation.

Special growing soil is therefore suitable as a plant substrate for cotyledons. Since the cotyledons of some plant species rot very quickly, sterilized soil is recommended.

When is the best planting time?

Most cotyledons need a lot of light. That is why the seeds are almost always sown in the spring so that the cotyledons receive sufficient daylight.

If you sow succulents, you can choose a later time of the year as long as you provide enough light.

Which location is suitable?

Since cotyledons are still very sensitive, they are usually grown in seed trays or seed pots. These are placed in a place where they are not exposed to extreme temperature fluctuations. Depending on the plant species, the temperatures should not be too low. Frost is always harmful.

What distance must be maintained?

The planting distance depends on the size of the cotyledons. It should be about the same size as the seedling itself.

How do you properly plant cotyledons?

Carefully loosen the soil in which the cotyledons have been growing. A kitchen fork or a wooden stick is suitable for this. Use tweezers to carefully grasp the cotyledon by the stem and slowly pull it out of the substrate.

Poke a hole in the prepared seed trays and insert the cotyledons so that the roots are not kinked. The stem of the cotyledon must not be covered with soil.

Gently push some soil with your finger and press it down very lightly so that the cotyledons have enough support. If necessary, stabilize them with a stick.

tips

Cotyledons are very delicate. They don't take it well if you transplant them. Cotyledons should therefore only be planted if it is absolutely necessary, for example because you have sown the seed too densely.

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